Haiti’s main international airport, Toussaint Louverture International Airport, has been closed for the second time this year after three commercial passenger planes from the United States were hit by suspected gang gunfire. This has left the conflict-ridden country cut off from the travel industry, with the US Federal Aviation Administration banning all US airlines from operating in Haiti for 30 days. Passenger security and aircraft insurance concerns are complicating the resumption of airline operations at the airport, raising fears that Haiti could become completely isolated.
The closure of the airport has left even United Nations helicopters unable to land in Port-au-Prince, with the airport officially closed until November 18. The US ambassador to Haiti was also unable to return due to the airport shutdown, highlighting the severity of the situation. The security alert issued by the US embassy in Haiti advises against travelling to the country and warns of the unpredictable and dangerous security situation. This has raised questions about the planned arrival of 600 Kenyan police officers set to reinforce a UN-backed security mission in Haiti.
Haiti is facing deepening instability, seen in the recent firing of interim Prime Minister Garry Conille by the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime has been sworn in as his replacement, as the government tries to restore law and order with the help of the international community and the UN-backed security force from Kenya. The US has called on Haiti’s leaders to prioritize governance over personal interests, urging accountability within the TPC to maintain credibility with the Haitian people.
The country’s humanitarian crisis is worsening due to years of gang violence, displacing over 700,000 people from their homes and exacerbating poverty and hunger. Large areas of the capital are under gang control, limiting the safe movement of residents. The closure of the border with the Dominican Republic and the suspension of commercial flights between the two countries have further isolated Haiti. Roads to other cities, such as Cap-Haitien, are controlled by gangs, leading to instances of violence and insecurity.
Commercial flights in Haiti are at risk as evidenced by recent incidents involving gunfire hitting planes from Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines. A Spirit Airlines flight was hit while attempting to land, prompting it to divert to the Dominican Republic. JetBlue and American Airlines also reported bullet damage on their planes. These incidents have led to the suspension of flights to and from Haiti by both airlines, highlighting the growing security concerns for flights operating in the region.
The recent episode of instability in Haiti is concerning amid escalating gang-related violence that has claimed thousands of lives this year. The closure of the main international airport has disrupted travel and left the country isolated, with no clear timeline for operations to resume. The US and other international partners are urging Haiti’s leaders to prioritize governance and accountability to address the deepening crisis. The situation remains unpredictable and dangerous, with concerns about the safety of both residents and travelers in Haiti.
